World War II bride prays for an end to war

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published 7:00 pm, Tuesday, November 11, 2008

To a crowd of some 250 people, the 90-year-old New Zealand native said the time is now for America to push for lasting world peace so a new generation need never sacrifice their lives in a war zone. On this Veteran's Day she said she is thinking of the men and women now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, praying that President-elect Barack Obama's administration "stops the war and brings the troops home before more are wounded and lost.''

After the ceremony that heralded the sacrifices and commitment of all veterans, the longtime member of the local VFW Ladies Auxiliary post said her fervent desire is for the new President to make ending the war in the Middle East a top priority.

The 11 a.m. service arranged by the local veteran's groups on the south end of the green started with local musician Curtis Thompson performing his annual rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner.'' It concluded with a gun salute and a bugler performing "Taps.''

Each year, Thompson donates his voice because he said it is the gift he can give to those who fought for his freedom.

"It always my honor to do it,'' said Thompson who never served in the military but is regularly a featured musical guest at various veteran and other civic ceremonies. "This is what I can give, and I give it freely.''

Under bright blue skies and a breeze that blew some of the leaves across the green, Cathy Rehaag and her family participated in what has become an annual tradition of saluting those who are responsible for all the freedoms they enjoy.

She said she and her children come "because it's important to see who fought for our country.'' These veterans' selfless service "is why we are free to come and gather.''

Northville Elementary School third-grade teacher Kathy Shemeley, president of the Connecticut POW-MIA Forget-Me-Nots, reminded the crowd there are still veterans - at least 59 last known as alive in Southeast Asia - whose families are waiting to know their fate. On Nov. 20, she said the remains of a Connecticut World War II soldier just recently discovered will be buried in Arlington Cemetery in Virginia.

Resident Cynthia Merritt offered an opening and closing prayer that recalled the first Armistice Day with hopes that America will soon be able to celebrate another armistice. She asked for comfort for all those who remain in harm's way today and be ever mindful these men and women sacrifice for love of country.

U.S. Marine Warren Hengel, who served in Desert Storm, said he was privileged this week to visit the Hill and Plain Elementary School and talk about what it means to be a veteran. He said he tried to convey to the children that America's military exists to protect their rights to feel safe in their land. Other nations look to America for protection and help because its people have always been "leaders and givers.''

And the best present a veteran can be given is to know another generation is following in those footsteps.